QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Emissions Reduction Target
June 5, 2024
Senator Gold, today is World Environment Day. It is an opportunity to highlight the environmental challenges faced by Canada and the world and to promote the initiatives and solutions designed to address the climate crisis and preserve our shared environment.
As we celebrate World Environment Day, it is important to reflect on the commitments made by our government, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030, transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Senator Gold, could you provide an update on the progress to date in meeting these critical goals and, if time permits, the steps the government has taken to meet these commitments?
Thank you for your question, senator.
As we know, the government recently released the 2023 Progress Report, which is the first progress report on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan that identifies climate actions and strategies for Canada to reach its 2030 emissions reduction target and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Though I don’t have time to list every specific step in the over 200-page progress report, I can say the report indicates the government is on a solid path toward a 2030 target. In fact, Canada is on pace to surpass the previous target of 30% below 2005 levels and is currently tracking to exceed the 2026 interim objective. With additional actions and engagement from provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, the financial sector and the business sector, Canada can and will meet our emissions reduction targets.
